**Ruby was Tiffany’s wonderful dog who went over the rainbow bridge this season. This Thanksgiving episode goes out to her. **

Want to have a less expensive and less wasteful Thanksgiving meal this year? Ok, we can’t promise it’ll be the best Thanksgiving ever, but we can give you tips to reduce how much food you waste and the overall cost of the meal. Plus, get some of our favorite recipes for day-of and leftovers in the last episode of this season. Bonus: ASMR pretzel eating!

Sources:

• University of Minnesota: https://sustainable.umn.edu/thanksgiving 
• NRDC Guestimator tool: https://savethefood.com/guestimator 
• Hungry Harvest: https://hungryharvest.net/blog/2017/11/9/the-makings-of-a-zero-waste-holiday
• Move for Hunger: https://moveforhunger.org/blog/mindful-meals-cultivating-low-waste-thanksgiving-meal 
• Going Zero Waste: https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/ways-to-use-your-thanksgiving-leftovers/ 
• Sugar Spun Run (recipe): https://sugarspunrun.com/homemade-cranberry-sauce/#recipe
• Add a Pinch (recipe): https://addapinch.com/turkey-salad-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-31953 
• NPR https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-11-15/is-it-ok-to-keep-reheating-leftovers-honest-questions-about-food-safety-illustrated
• Ohio State https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/cooling-pasta-changes-starch

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PFAS and other "forever chemicals" have been around a long time, but in recent years, they've been getting a lot of news. What are they? Why are they scary? And can you avoid getting them in your food? Get the scoop with a dash of measured hope in this week's episode of your favorite sustainability podcast.

Sources

• NIH - Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc
• EPA - Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS - https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
• EPA - Meaningful and Achievable Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your RIsk - https://www.epa.gov/pfas/meaningful-and-achievable-steps-you-can-take-reduce-your-risk
• BBC Science Focus - Forever Chemicals Are Now in Half of Your Fruits and Vegetables - https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/forever-chemicals-food-risks
• The Guardian - It’s Almost Impossible to Eliminate Toxic PFAS From Your Diet - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/22/pfas-forever-chemicals-diet
• FDA - Questions and Answers on PFAS in Food - https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/questions-and-answers-pfas-food
• ITRC - History and Use of PFAS Found in the Environment - https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/history_and_use_508_2020Aug_Final.pdf
• NIH - The Devil They Knew - Chemical Documents Analysis of Industry Influence on PFAS Science - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10237242/
• ELG Law - https://www.elglaw.com/faq/most-pfas-contaminated-states/
• Consumer Reports - https://www.consumerreports.org/water-contamination/how-to-get-pfas-out-of-your-drinking-water-a7303943293/

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Say "artificial food dyes" and someone will inevitably start screaming about Red 40 (or FD&C Red 40 if they're really obsessive). Are these dyes really poisoning our children? Is natural food coloring better, or might there be unintended environmental consequences? Join us as we look at everything from MAHA to McGill University to get to the bottom of artificial colors.

Sources

• The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2025/08/white-food-dye-titanium-dioxide-maha/683806/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
• International Dairy Foods Assoc: https://www.idfa.org/idfa-ice-cream-commitment
• Make America Healthy Again report: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MAHA-Report-The-White-House.pdf 
• FDA: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply 
• Yahoo News: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-calls-rfk-jr-three-211918075.html 
• UPMC HealthBeat: https://share.upmc.com/2024/07/is-red-food-dye-bad-for-kids/ 
• UC Berkeley Public Health: https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/articles/spotlight/research/new-report-shows-artificial-food-coloring-causes-hyperactivity-in-some-kids 
• Michigan State University Today: https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2025/07/ask-the-expert-whats-the-problem-with-artificial-food-dyes 
• McGill University Office for Science and Society: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/food-health-news/food-dyes-science 
• NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/no-artificial-dyes-atkinson-candy-company-replace-natural-colors-rfk-rcna220485 
• Foods (Journal): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10093929/ 

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This week, Kat and Tiff reveal their 3-ingredient recipe for cheesecake — err, laundry detergent. This DIY laundry detergent is so easy (and sustainable!) that it might become your  gateway drug to homemade products, like it was for Tiffany. These two marketing writers also talk you through a simple way to uncover green hooey for yourself and learn the true sustainability of your household products in this green living podcast.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.

What We Recommend:

• Dish soap (Palmolive Ultra Pure + Clear Liquid Dish Soap Detergent - Fragrance Free is actually sustainable, affordable, and easy to find)
• Arm & Hammer washing soda
• Enzyme stain remover from Truly Free (this is optional but helps with stains)

If you don’t want to make your own and are a millionaire:

• Aspen Clean is great but expensive
• Dropps laundry pods

What We Mentioned:

• Nancy Birtwhistle’s book, Clean & Green: 101 Hints and Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Home
• Safer Choice label from the EPA

Source Links:

• An article from Apartment Therapy on liquid laundry detergent facts
• AZCentral: liquid detergent is up to 90% water
• Environmental Working Group for product ratings
• The Spruce’s breakdown of the chemistry of laundry detergent
• A breakdown of enzymes in detergent from Novozymes

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This week on your favorite green living podcast, Tiff and Kat learn about compostable trash bags -- or, more accurately, food scrap bags --  and what they can and can't do. Join as we discuss what the bags mean to cockroaches and sea turtles, and add a few new lines of "green hooey" to your dictionary.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.

What We Bought
100% Compostable Trash Bags
EcoGuard compostable 3 gallon food scrap bags

Sources:
You Asked: What Are The Most Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags?
Are biodegradable bags better than plastic? It's complicated.
Biodegradable Plastic Bags Aren't Better for the Environment

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In the first episode of this new green living podcast, learn all about unpaper towels -- what they look like, feel like, maybe even taste like. Tiffany and Kat help you understand whether unpaper towels are worth your money and time, or whether you might already have something in your home that will do the trick.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links below are paid links.

What We Bought:

• Bamboo unpaper towels

What We Mentioned:

• Swedish dishcloth  we recommend
• Recycled paper towels
• No-sew and sewable unpaper towels 
• Look up brands’ stance on viscose
• See the roadmap from Dirty Fashion to get to closed-loop viscose systems

Source Links:

• https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/ask-mr-green/2014/03/hey-mr-green-it-more-ecofriendly-use-rags-or-paper-towels  
• https://www.patagonia.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-patagonia-us-Site/Library-Sites-PatagoniaShared/en_US/PDF-US/bamboo_rayon.pdf 
• https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose 
• https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp111-c1.pdf 
• http://www.ecolabelindex.com/ 
• https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/22/eco-guide-to-cleaner-cotton
•  https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose 

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In the intro to this seasonal green living podcast, meet Kat and Tiffany. They're both marketing writers  who will use their professional insights to spot "green hooey," or products that claim to be eco-friendly but actually aren't. 

Learn which products are worth your time and money and which aren't. The first 12-episode season will focus on cleaning products like:

• Unpaper towels
• Compostable trash bags
• Homemade laundry detergent
• DIY window cleaner
• and more!

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Welcome to your new favorite green living podcast from your hosts, Kat and Tiffany.  We're marketing writers, so we know how to spot "green" hooey.

In the first 12-episode season, we'll cover cleaning. We'll research green cleaning products and methods, discovering whether they are:

• Actually less harmful to make and use
• Truly nontoxic
• Overpriced for what they're made of
• More effective than the other options — or effective at all

Can't wait for you to join us every week!

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The average American is spending 25% more on groceries than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, so folks are looking for ways to save money. Growing your own vegetables is rewarding, but is it worth the cost? What's the cheapest vegetable to grow? Get tips on deciding what to plant and whether growing your own veg will save you some dough in your favorite sustainability podcast. 

NOTE: Some of the links below contain affiliate links, which we make a little cash from.

Sources:

• LA Food Bank - https://www.lafoodbank.org/stories/usa-food-prices-rose-by-25-percent-from-2019-to-2023/
• Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/gardening/comments/19a7tbm/best_food_to_grow_to_save_money/
• USDA Prices - https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/fruit-and-vegetable-prices
• Harvard Health Letter - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/backyard-gardening-grow-your-own-food-improve-your-health-201206294984
• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map - https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
• The Farmers Almanac Planting Calendar – https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar
• Ecology Center - Organic Fertilizers - https://www.ecocenter.org/avoid-greenwashing-gardening-ecolive-event
• Grow Safe - https://amzn.to/47sxWPb

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Feeling isolated? You're not alone (ironically). Community is probably the solution, but how do you find it or build it today? Let's talk about what community means, how to build it, and why it's not your fault if you feel like it's harder today than it should be. Plus: can community be dangerous? Find out this week on your favorite sustainability and joy podcast!

Sources

• Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/202307/the-importance-of-community
• Ikeda Center: https://www.ikedacenter.org/resources/what-community-and-why-it-important 
• Motherly: https://www.mother.ly/relationships/community-friendship/making-mom-friends-viral-reel/ 
• The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/feb/05/how-to-build-community 
• The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging 

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Traveling is great, but in this economy?! As anti-tourist sentiments heat up abroad, finding ways to enjoy your local area as a tourist destination is a better idea than ever. Get ideas and tips from Tiff and Kat on how to play tourist in your town to increase your local pride and hey, be a more conscientious tourist wherever you go!

Sources:

• NY Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/arts/design/louvre-staff-strikes-tourism.html
• ABC News - https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/us-travelers-amid-anti-tourism-protests-europe/story?id=122771547
• Global Rescue - https://www.globalrescue.com/common/blog/detail/us-policy-shifts-impact-american-travelers-negative-perception/
• The Points Guy - https://thepointsguy.com/news/new-travel-survey-2025/
• Vox - https://www.vox.com/even-better/23801678/explore-your-city-tourist
• https://www.stateparks.org/

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Trying to buy less shite from Amazon but feel a little... intimidated by mom-and-pops (like, do you have to talk to people)? Tiff and Kat are here to teach you the basics, like what does shop local mean. Buying local is one way to get the stuff you need — and build community along the way. Learn how they managed to cut through the awkwardness, so you can get started in your hometown. 

Sources

• LatinoFreeze: https://www.latinofreeze.com/
• Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougmelville/2025/03/17/do-boycotts-work-as-targets-traffic-declines-tesla--others-see-shifts-with-consumers/ 
• Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/target-facing-permanent-boycott-june-2079736
• Forbes again: https://www.forbes.com/sites/allysonkapin/2025/03/11/economic-boycotts-how-small-businesses-can-benefit/ 
• Mountain West Chamber of Commerce: https://www.mountainwestchamber.org/blog/2022/10/31/how-small-business-season-keeps-money-in-our-community 

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People around the world are obsessed with coffee. But with climate change threatening coffee-growing ecosystems, will mushroom coffee soon be our only option? Pour yourself a cup of Joe and settle in for a cozy chat about why we love coffee, why it's (probably) good for us, and how to choose your brew a little more sustainably. 

Sources

• Drive Research - Coffee Statistics -  https://www.driveresearch.com/market-research-company-blog/coffee-survey/
• Daily Coffee News - https://dailycoffeenews.com/2023/10/23/nca-economic-impact-report-us-consumers-spend-301-million-per-day-on-coffee
• John Hopkins Medicine - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-reasons-why-the-right-amount-of-coffee-is-good-for-you
• Clive Coffee – How Climate Change is Affecting Coffee - https://clivecoffee.com/blogs/learn/how-climate-change-is-affecting-coffee
• PBS - History of Coffee - https://www.pbs.org/food/stories/history-coffee
• Food and Wine - The Price of Coffee is at at All Time High - https://www.foodandwine.com/coffee-prices-record-high-8782049

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Thrifting is on trend again, which is mostly awesome in terms of sustainability. But before you Google "thrift stores near me" to go pop some tags, listen as hosts Tiff and Kat chat about how to thrift responsibly — mostly by avoiding those dang ole thrift hauls. Whether you're headed to a Salvation Army thrift store or a more local second hand store, you'll also want their top tips on how to nab the best finds.

Sources

• Martha Stewart: https://www.marthastewart.com/shopping-tips-thrift-stores-8765480
• The Cut: https://www.thecut.com/2023/04/the-ultimate-guide-to-thrifting-ethically.html 
• Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/the-surprising-truth-about-gen-zs-shift-from-malls-to-thrift-shops/ 
• Luna & Blue Vintage - https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lunaandbluevintage

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Take a stroll with us — or a fart walk, if you will — to learn more about why walking is so great. Can walking actually improve your digestion (the fart walk question)? Is running better for you than walking? And is it better to walk in nature or on city streets? We highly recommend listening to this on an actual walk, so grab your headphones and get moving (just be safe). 

Sources:

• Harvard - Five Surprising Benefits of Walking - https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking
• Healthline - Fart Walking May Promote Digestive Health, Lower Diabetes Risk - https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fart-walking-digestive-health-trend
• NBC News - Why walking is the most underrated form of exercise - https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-walking-most-underrated-form-exercise-ncna797271
• Healthline - Which is better for your health: walking or running? - https://www.healthline.com/health/walking-vs-running
• NY Times - Running vs. Walking: Which is Better for Lasting Health? - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/well/move/walking-running-health-benefits.html
• Science Direct - City walk or nature walk? - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S16188667250006

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What makes a plant invasive? Join as hosts Tiff and Kat take you through the strange, un-wonderful world of invasive plants. Learn how to tell if a plant is invasive — and how to get rid of them, or at the very least stop them from spreading in your neighborhood (and farther). Start demolishing with your favorite sustainability podcast!

As Amazon affiliates, the hosts may get a small commission from some of these links.

• Maryland DNR: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/documents/invasive_plants_cards.pdf
• Nature Conservancy: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/kudzu-invasive-species/ 
• Smithsonian Mag: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/true-story-kudzu-vine-ate-south-180956325/ 
• Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/features/books/northeastbooks.shtml 
• Book rec from US Forest Service: Invasive Plants: A Guide to Identification, Impacts, and Control of Common North American Species: https://amzn.to/3ZXkI8m

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When was the last time you burrowed into a really great book? Kat and Tiff burrow deep into why reading books (not screens) is good for you and how to get back into it without breaking the bank or destroying the environment. 

Sources:

• ELA Brave and True - High School Students Can’t Focus and Here’s Why - https://elabraveandtrue.com/2022/12/08/why-students-cant-focus-to-read-books
• Education from Seattle PI - The Advantages of Sustained Silent Reading - https://education.seattlepi.com/advantages-sustained-silent-reading-1638.html
• NIH - How Does Fiction Readng Influence Empathy? - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3559433/
• JCFS - The Importance of Having Books in Your Home - https://www.jcfs.org/blog/importance-having-books-your-home
• Chicago Review of Books - Book Waste: The Dangers of Publishing and the Ethical Consumption of Books - https://chireviewofbooks.com/2023/12/07/book-waste-the-dangers-of-publishing-and-the-ethical-consumption-of-books/
• Statista - Mean Annual Expenditure on Books Per Consumer in the U.S. - https://www.statista.com/statistics/191043/us-consumer-spending-on-books-since-2002
• Automateed - 2024 Amazon Book Sales Statistics - https://automateed.com/amazon-book-sales-statistics/
• Bookshop.org

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“What do you want for dinner?” is the worst question ever. Meal planning to the rescue! We know, we know — it's one of those things everyone tells you you should do. But find out why this little tweak is actually worth it, and how it will save you money, time, and sanity. Get tips on how to do it right, plus a free downloadable planner that Tiffany actively uses and swears by.

Sources

• Rutgers: https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/sustainability/fs1332_-reducing-food-waste-at-home_-easy-every-day-tips-rutgers-njaes.pdf 
• EPA: https://www.epa.gov/land-research/estimating-cost-food-waste-american-consumers 
• Our downloadable meal planner: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19SKpXixbXJOdD1VvZPRpCpb5gEgvenRs/view?usp=sharing 

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Atomic Habits not quite click with you? Same. In this episode, Tiff and Kat analyze the James Clear book, Atomic Habits -- and figure out a few reasons why the advice seems so unrelatable. In a brief step away from sustainability topics, the two hosts explore embracing your sloppiness and taking the pressure off yourself, away from this need to constantly achieve, strive, and produce. 

As Amazon affiliates, the podcast hosts may get a small commission on some of the links below.

Sources

• James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
• Motherboard Press Instagram

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It's spring cleaning time! Explore eco-friendly ways to clean out your closets and really get into those crevices based on Tiff & Kat's favorite methods.

Sources:

• www.ridwell.com

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In this episode, Tiffany and Kat discuss the joy of birdwatching. They explore the benefits and concerns of bird feeding, like potential health risks for birds and the sustainability of feeding practices. Some questions include: Should we feed birds? Can we feed them all year? How much of my paycheck do I have to spend on bird food? and more in this upbeat sustainability podcast.

Sources

• https://www.audubon.org/news/to-feed-or-not-feed\
• https://www.audubon.org/magazine/11-tips-feeding-backyard-birds 
• PDF: Six feeders every bird should have: https://media.audubon.org/audubon_guide_to_bird_feeders.pdf?_gl=1*15msanl*_gcl_au*NDk4NjU0NjkwLjE3NDU5NTUyOTE.*_ga*OTExNjg5NjkxLjE3NDU5NTUyOTE.*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTc0NTk1NTI5MS4xLjEuMTc0NTk1NjUwNy42MC4wLjA.
• https://blog.nwf.org/2024/01/year-round-bird-feeding/
• Funny article about state birds: http://www.thebirdist.com/2013/04/state-birds-what-they-should-be.html

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Welcome back to Season 7 -- JOY! This season, we're focusing on what brings us joy with a little sprinkle of GUMA research plus tips on how to green it all up.

This week: DOGS. Get a little history about why they are the way they are, science on why we love them, and ideas on being a better guardian for your good boy or girl today. 

Sources:

• Earth.org - The Environmental Impact of Pets: Working Towards Sustainable Pet Ownership - https://earth.org/environmental-impact-of-pets/
• CNN – Pets could boost wellbeing as much as a wife or husband - https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/09/health/pets-boost-wellbeing-marriage-study-intl-scli-wellness/index.html
• The Atlantic - Dogs Are Entering a New Wave of Domestication - https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2024/10/service-dog-domestication-behavior/680240/
• National Geographic - We Didn’t Domesticate Dogs, They Domesticated Us - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/130302-dog-domestic-evolution-science-wolf-wolves-human
• The Guardian - Making a dog’s dinner - https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/29/making-a-dogs-dinner-vets-and-canine-experts-on-the-most-eco-and-affordable-ways-to-feed-your-pooch
• The Humane Society - Environmental Impacts of Puppy Mills - https://www.humaneworld.org/sites/default/files/docs/environmental-impacts-puppy-mills.pdf
• ANIVIVE - Do mixed breed dogs live longer? - https://www.anivive.com/learn/article/do-mixed-breed-dogs-live-longer
• PETA - Animal Rights Uncompromised: ‘Pets’ - https://www.peta.org/about-peta/why-peta/pets/

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Did you know educating kids about climate change can have a serious impact on carbon output? This week, Tiffany and Kat explore the role of climate education in U.S. schools, discussing the barriers to effective teaching and how certain (ahem) industries (ahem) influence educational materials. Dig deeper into how to empower teachers and students, the impact of youth activism, and the need for parental involvement in climate education. 

We also give a sneak preview of next season -- Joy! (Coming May 6!)

Sources

• Nature Conservancy: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/how-we-work/youth-engagement/educating-for-climate-action/
• Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/05/26/gen-z-millennials-stand-out-for-climate-change-activism-social-media-engagement-with-issue/
• Columbia University: https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2023/02/09/climate-education-in-the-u-s-where-it-stands-and-why-it-matters/ 

We'll be back May 6 with season 7!

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Times are tough and the economy is uncertain, which is why we've decided to diversify by offering you, our listeners, a new all-natural, green, eco-friendly, organic, sustainable product:

Cleaning Up My Yard by Greening Up My Act: Cat Poo Flavored Dog Treats!

For only $15.99/month you can get these locally-sourced treats delivered to your door. Check out our Patreon to subscribe!

www.patreon.com/GreeningUpMyAct

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This week we look at the green policies and protections President Trump has already or is working to dismantle in his second term. Stay informed and maybe feel a little better about buying an electric vehicle or getting solar panels. 

Sources

• Washington Post - Trump Has Rolled Back 125 Environmental Safeguards - https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/climate-environment/trump-climate-environment-protections/
• Climate Action News - What Trump’s second term means for climate action in the US and beyond - https://www.climatechangenews.com/2025/01/15/what-trump-second-term-means-for-climate-action-in-the-us-and-beyond/
• Texas Tribune - Trump’s promise to unravel Biden's climate policies could take years to fulfill - https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/08/texas-environment-trump-biden-climate-change/
• PBS Newshour - Here’s what to know about Trump’s executive actions on climate and environment - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/heres-what-to-know-about-trumps-executive-actions-on-climate-and-environment
• NPR - Trump's pulling a U-turn on EVs, but not much has changed — yet- https://www.npr.org/2025/01/30/nx-s1-5272749/donald-trump-ev-electric-vehicles-subsidies-auto-industry
• WIPFLI - Trump’s executive orders don’t impact clean energy tax incentives- https://www.wipfli.com/insights/articles/tax-trumps-orders-dont-impact-energy-tax-credits

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Need tips for talking climate change with your Trump-supporting uncle? Tiff and Kat chat about climate polarization  — and how we need to rebrand these initiatives to reach across the political aisle. The two hosts use their marketing experience in this sustainability podcast to figure out exactly how we can get more people to fight for change.

Sources

• https://www.theclimatechangereview.com/post/the-polarization-of-climate-change 
• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/farmers-federal-funding-freeze-trump-administration-scramble-respond-rcna191544
• https://civileats.com/2025/02/11/trumps-funding-freeze-creates-chaos-and-financial-distress-for-farmers/ 
• https://www.bupipedream.com/news/state-agriculture-program-experiences-funding-cuts/162769/ 
• https://www.climate.gov/news-features/climate-qa/does-it-matter-how-much-united-states-reduces-its-carbon-dioxide-emissions 
• https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/09/what-the-data-says-about-americans-views-of-climate-change/ 
• https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2016/10/04/the-politics-of-climate/ 
• https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/pas-secret-weapon-to-fight-climate-change/ 
• https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/john-curtis-utah-republican-wants-make-climate-change-bipartisan-issue

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We've talked at length about how large corporations influence federal policy and how you can try to do the same. Let's take a look at how YOU can influence large corporations, especially the ones doing the most damage to the environment.

Sources:

• UMass Amherst Political Economy Research Institute - Greenhouse 100 Polluters, 2024 - https://peri.umass.edu/greenhouse-100-polluters-index-current
• McCune Law Group - Corporate Accountability for Environmental Damages - https://mccunewright.com/blog/2023/11/holding-corporations-responsible-for-environmental-damages
• Vistra Energy - https://hub.vistracorp.com/our-companies/
• Columbia Climate School - Climate Lawsuits are on the Rise - https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2023/08/09/climate-lawsuits-are-on-the-rise-this-is-what-theyre-based-on/
• Investopedia – What is ESG Investing? https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/environmental-social-and-governance-esg-criteria.asp

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"Climate denial and Citizens United are two sides of the same coin." That was U.S. Senator Whitehouse basically summing up this episode. Discover why the fight against climate change practically stopped in its tracks following the 2010 Citizens United ruling -- and why it feels so infuriating -- and what we can do about it today.

Sources

• https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/how-citizens-united-altered-the-climate-debate/
• https://www.commoncause.org/articles/inextricably-linked-how-citizens-united-halted-climate-action/ 
• https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/15-years-later-citizens-united-allows-corporate-greed-to-fuel-climate-disasters/ 
• https://e360.yale.edu/features/how-big-money-in-politics-blocked-u-s-action-on-climate-change
• Plutocrats United: Campaign Money, the Supreme Court, and the Distortion of American Elections: https://amzn.to/3WXyjeJ 

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If you run in certain circles, you may have heard about mushroom coffee. It's purportedly better for the environment and better for you than regular coffee. But will it scratch that morning coffee itch? And how true are those environmental or health claims? Explore this earthy trend with Tiff and Kat in your favorite sustainability podcast.

Sources

• Harvard Health Publishing - https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/mushroom-coffee-worth-a-taste
• Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mushroom-coffee#lower-in-caffeine
• Earthrise - https://www.earthrise.au/blogs/stories/mushroom-coffee-a-safer-sustainable-alternative
• MedicineNet - https://www.medicinenet.com/drinking_mushroom_coffee_good_benefits_side_effect/article.htm
• Cleveland Clinic - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22361-adaptogens
• Wired - https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-mushroom-coffee/
• PennState Extention - https://extension.psu.edu/impact-of-the-mushroom-industry-on-the-environment
• Food52 - https://food52.com/story/18958-the-hidden-wartime-origins-of-mushroom-coffee

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In this two-part episode, hosts Tiff and Kat break down Citizens United, the Supreme Court case that unleashed unlimited corporate spending in politics — and how that money fuels climate inaction. With fossil fuel giants pouring millions into elections and lobbying, we explore how this decision came about in the first place. Join us as we uncover the link between big money, political gridlock, and the fight for a sustainable future.

As Amazon Associates, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you click and buy.

Sources:

• https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/citizens-united-explained 
• More Perfect podcast: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolabmoreperfect/episodes/citizens-united 
• https://www.fec.gov/legal-resources/court-cases/citizens-united-v-fec/ 
• Congressional Research Service: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12691 
• https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00825851/ 
• Plutocrats United: Campaign Money, the Supreme Court, and the Distortion of American Elections: https://amzn.to/3WXyjeJ 

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Federal government got you down? Explore how to lobby your state government and influence local climate policy to help get your feelings in a better place. 

Sources

• Network for Business Sustainability: How Business Leaders Can Lobby for Climate Action - https://nbs.net/how-business-leaders-can-lobby-for-climate-action/
• Inside Climate News: What to Expect from State Governments on Renewable Energy Policy in 2025 - https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09012025/inside-clean-energy-state-government-policy-2025/
• Greenpeace: Lobbying 101 - https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/lobbying-101/
• American College of Radiology: 10 Tips for Lobbying State Legislatures - https://www.acr.org/Advocacy-and-Economics/State-Issues/Advocacy-Resources/Lobbying-State-Legislatures
• PBS: Here’s What to Know About Trump’s Executive Actions on Climate and Environment - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/heres-what-to-know-about-trumps-executive-actions-on-climate-and-environment

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We get it: It's easy to want to hide in your hidey hole right now. But sadly, we don't got time for that. Instead, it's time to cobble together as many safe, sustainable local communities as we can manage. If you're pissed or scared (or both) and want to make an impact on local politics, join Tiff and Kat to get your hopes back up in these crazy f*cking times.

Sources

• https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fighting-climate-change-from-capitol-hill-to-city-hall/ 
• https://www.sheshouldrun.org/resources/3-ways-to-get-involved-in-local-government/
• https://www.lcv.org/programs/climate-action-program/ 

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Does voting really matter to U.S. policy? A lot of people in our country feel like voting is pointless. Join Tiff & Kat in exploring if that's really true.

Sources:

• U.S. News & World Report: How Many People Didn’t Vote in the 2024 Election? https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2024-11-15/how-many-people-didnt-vote-in-the-2024-election
• The Guardian: Why Eligible Voters Did Not Vote https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/13/why-eligible-voters-did-not-vote
• Princeton Quarterly Journal of Economics: Do Voters Affect or Elect Policies? https://www.princeton.edu/~davidlee/wp/voterspolicies.pdf
• NonprofitVOTE: The Benefits of Voting https://www.nonprofitvote.org/resource/benefits-voting/
• Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research: State elections, policy choices, and accountability: https://siepr.stanford.edu/publications/policy-brief/state-elections-policy-choices-and-accountability

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Struggling with eco-anxiety, like any person with eyes? Hosts Tiff and Kat explore how to stay hopeful and motivated while tackling unprecedented environmental challenges, offering practical tips to turn worry into action. Join them as they share stories, insights, and strategies to cultivate resilience and make a positive impact in a world that needs it in your favorite sustainability podcast.

As Amazon Associates, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you click and buy.

Sources

• NOAA climate.gov: https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2024-active-year-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters
• Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility by Rebecca Solnit & Thelma Young Lutunatabua:  https://amzn.to/4hmQWAA

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If you want your money to impact ecological matters, where should you put it? 

Billionaires aren't the only people who can make the world change with their money.

Get tips on how to find the right charitable organization to donate your money to where they'll actually do something with it, and get a few suggestions to start you off. 

Sources

1. National Philanthropic Trust - Charitable Giving Statistics - https://www.nptrust.org/philanthropic-resources/charitable-giving-statistics/
2. Earth Easy - 10 high-impact environmental charities with integrity - https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/where-to-donate-10-high-impact-environmental-charities-with-integrity/
3. Indigenous Environmental Network - https://www.ienearth.org/

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Welcome to season 6 -- we're talking activism for non-activists! To kick things off, Tiff looks into sustainable communities. What are they? Are they real? Do Bigfoot and the Jersey Devil hang out there, or human folk? Turns out they are real, but complicated. Even if these communities can be a little... out there... they're ripe with inspiration to make your own neighborhood more sustainable one step at a time.

Sources

• Institute for Sustainable Communities: https://sustain.org/about/what-is-a-sustainable-community/
• Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage: https://www.dancingrabbit.org/

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Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. Get tips on how to make it through this season without going into debt (emotional or economic) in our annual anti-Black Friday gift guide.

We wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season full of light, warmth, and love.

Season 6 starts early January 2025!

Sources:

• CNBC - What Not to Buy This Year- https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/26/black-friday-and-cyber-monday-are-here-what-not-to-buy-this-year.html
• ABC - Black Friday's History - https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/black-fridays-history-tells-us-holiday-shopping-2024-116228668 
• Charles Schwab - Three Ways to Avoid Doom Spending - https://www.aboutschwab.com/mss/story/three-ways-to-avoid-doom-spending
• The Money Love Podcast - https://overcomingoverspending.com/podcast

Local artists and small business gift ideas:

• Dan Wolff's Side Questers comic book - https://ko-fi.com/s/e708ed6327
• Clohnart by John Lee - https://www.clohnart.com/
• Pet Portraits by Caitlin - https://www.petportraitsbycaitlin.com/
• Kat's fiction - https://katcox.com/portfolio/fiction
• Akaimi the Artist - https://www.akaimi.art/
• Buy a gift subscription to our Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GreeningUpMyAct/gift

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Your favorite green living podcast is back with a preview of our sixth (!!!) season.

It's been a rough couple of months for a number of reasons (check out our Patreon for a full run-through) but we are coming back in January 2025 with Season 6: Political Action! 

We'll be talking about: 

• how voting affects green policies
•  how to lobby your U.S. government from the city to the state to the feds
• what green plans the U.S. government has in place (or what they'll be tearing down)
• how to take action against corporations 
• green living lifestyle changes you can make that actually matter

and more!

Subscribe to get our episodes directly or follow us on Instagram for all the latest announcements. 

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Did you know there are over 400,000 eco-friendly hotels around the world? Join Tiff and Kat in exploring how to identify these hidden gems in the wild and what they're doing to combat overtourism.

We're going through a lot right now so we need to take a break until early 2025!

Sources:

• NatGeo - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/what-sustainable-tourism-means
• Proven Partners - What Makes a Hotel Eco-Friendly? https://www.proven.partners/blog/eco-friendly-hotel
• The Conversation - Why Australia Might Be at Risk of Overtourism - https://theconversation.com/why-australia-might-be-at-risk-of-overtourism-99213
• NatGeo - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/renewable-energy-how-hotels-make-a-difference
• UNSW Sydney - The carbon footprint of AirBnB is likely bigger than you think - https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2021/05/the-carbon-footprint-of-airbnb-is-likely-bigger-than-you-think
• CNN - https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/eco-friendly-hotels-greenwashing-cmd/index.html

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Some people say we eat a credit card's worth of plastic every week — which is not true. But it still ain't great. In this episode, you'll learn the basics of where microplastics come from, how they may be impacting the environment and ourselves, along with steps to help limit your microplastic exposure. Let's all try not to panic together.

For more on plastic recycling, check out our episodes (16 & 17) here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1849707/episodes/13220903

Sources

• CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/31/us/microplastic-credit-card-per-week 
• Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, Ingested microplastics: Do humans eat one credit card per week?: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666911022000247 
• UCSF: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/02/427161/how-to-limit-microplastics-dangers 
• A Poison Like No Other
• The Revelator: https://therevelator.org/plastic-pollution-warnings/ 
• AdvanTech Plastics: https://advantechplastics.com/bio-assimilation/
• Environmental Chemistry Letters: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9907217/
• Science Alert: https://www.sciencealert.com/theres-a-surprisingly-simple-way-to-remove-microplastics-from-drinking-water 

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Rockefeller-founded brand Paravel claims to make the "world's first carbon-neutral suitcases." The company's mission is also to make the world a better place. Are either of these things realistic? Join marketing writers Tiff and Kat as they explore the highfalutin world of luxury sustainable travel in your favorite sustainability podcast.

Sources

• Paravel: https://tourparavel.com/collections/luggage 
• Nat Geo: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/what-sustainable-tourism-means 
• CNN: https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/paravel-travel-luggage 
• Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2021/09/the-net-positive-manifesto 
• Travel & Leisure: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/how-to-recycle-an-old-suitcase 
• Terracycle: https://shop.terracycle.com/en-US/products/luggage-and-travel-bag-boxes-zero-waste-boxes 

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Airplanes and passenger jets get a lot of flak for emissions and pollution. But just how much does your flight overseas affect climate change? And what are scientists and the government doing to try and fix it? Find out in this week's episode of your favorite green living podcast.

Sources:

• Kat’s rocket scientist sister
• Our World in Data - Sector by sector: where do global greenhouse emissions come from? - https://ourworldindata.org/ghg-emissions-by-sector
• The Commons - How to Fly Sustainably: 6 Tips to Cut Your Carbon “Flight” Print - https://www.thecommons.earth/blog/simple-steps-to-make-flying-more-sustainable
• Ascent, the aviation sustainability center - https://ascent.aero/
• Nasa, Partners Explore Sustainable Fuel’s Effects on Aircraft Contrails - https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/armstrong/nasa-partners-explore-sustainable-fuels-effects-on-aircraft-contrails/
• FAA (Federal Aviation Admin) - Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transitions (FAST) Grants - https://www.faa.gov/general/fueling-aviations-sustainable-transition-fast-grants/
• App in the Air -- https://appintheair.com/ 
• US Dept of Energy - Alternative Fuels Data Center - https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/sustainable-aviation-fuel
• Built In - What Are Electric Planes? https://builtin.com/articles/electric-plane

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15-minute cities are a bit of a head-scratcher. On the one hand, hosts Tiff and Kat talk through beautiful examples of real cities becoming more walkable and bikeable. But on the other hand, there are some truly wild 15-minute city conspiracy theories around the topic. Let's get into it!

Sources

• Deloitte: https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/Industries/government-public/perspectives/urban-future-with-a-purpose/15-minute-city.html
• Fast Company: https://www.fastcompany.com/91119919/how-paris-became-a-15-minute-city 
• Bureau of Investigative Journalism: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2023-10-04/what-is-the-15-minute-cities-conspiracy-theory/ 
• Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/15-minute-city-conspiracy-uk-politics/ 

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Find out if an electric scooter (e-scooter) is the green transportation choice of your dreams or if it's all just a green hooey fantasy in the lastest episode of your favorite sustainability podcast.

Sources:

• Reddit post - https://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricScooters/comments/cnhox6/escooters_are_worse_for_the_environment_than_many/ - Are e-scooters polluters? The environmental impacts of shared dockless electric scooters - https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab2da8
• Nought (Scooter company) - Are e-scooters good for the environment? https://nought.tech/blogs/journal/are-e-scooters-good-for-the-environment
• Cenex -  Maximizing the benefits of e-scooter deployment in cities - https://www.cenex.co.uk/app/uploads/2020/08/Maximising-the-benefits-of-e-scooter-deployment-in-cities.pdf
• Colorado Sun - Electric scooters are the most efficient way to cut greenhouse gas emissions - https://coloradosun.com/2024/03/19/electric-scooters-transit-commuting-colorado-greenhouse-gas/
• 7 Reasons E-scooters are better than cars - Apollo - https://apolloscooters.co/blogs/news/7-reasons-why-electric-scooters-are-better-than-cars
• Consumer Reports - New Study Shows Safety Risks of Riding e-Scooters on the Sidewalk - https://www.consumerreports.org/electric-scooters/safety-risks-of-riding-e-scooters-on-the-sidewalk-iihs-study/
• Wired - Escooter rentals aren’t as green as you think - https://www.wired.com/story/e-scooter-rentals-carbon-emissions/

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Is ridesharing more sustainable than owning a car? Let's find out together on this episode of your favorite sustainability podcast. Hosts Tiff and Kat explain the (slightly shocking) study results, Uber's "road to zero emissions," and more. Vroom vroom!

Sources

• HyreCar sustainability claims: https://www.hyrecar.com/environmental-benefits-ridesharing/#how-does-ridesharing-contribute-to-the-improvement-of-the-environment 
• Union of Concerned Scientists: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/ride-hailing-problem-climate 
• Yale Environment Review: https://environment-review.yale.edu/ridesharing-part-sustainable-future 
• NRDC: https://www.nrdc.org/bio/rabi-abonour/report-role-uber-and-lyft-sustainable-cities 
• Uber's road to zero emissions: https://www.uber.com/us/en/about/sustainability/ 
• Rideshare Guy: https://therideshareguy.com/uber-statistics/ 

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We're back from summer break and ready to talk about public transit -- specifically, buses. Are they a better option for sustainable transportation? And why can't America get its act together when it comes to public bus systems?

Sources

• MIT Climate Portal Explainer - Public Transportation - https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/public-transportation
• World Resources Institute - Post-pandemic, public transport needs to get back on track to meet global climate goals - https://www.wri.org/insights/current-state-of-public-transport-climate-goals
• CNBC - Here’s why public transit keeps running out of money - https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/25/heres-why-public-transit-keeps-running-out-of-money.html
• Transit for America - the Basics on How Public Transit is Funded - https://t4america.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/James-Corless-Indy-academy-5-14-15.pdf
• Reason Foundation - Does Bus Transit Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions? (2010) - https://reason.org/commentary/does-bus-transit-reduce-greenhouse/
• Sustainable America - Why Doesn’t the U.S. Have Better Public Transportation? - https://sustainableamerica.org/blog/why-doesnt-the-us-have-better-public-transportation/

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Ever wonder if passenger trains are actually a sustainable form of transport? Learn all about that in the newest episode of this fun sustainability podcast! Tiffany also covers her disaster of a cross-country Amtrak train trip in 2018 (and how to do it right if you're considering buying your own Amtrak tickets).

Sources

• Boston Consulting Group: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2022/riding-the-rails-to-the-future-of-sustainability 
• European Environment Agency: https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/motorised-transport-train-plane-road 
• Train company Brightline’s press release: https://www.gobrightline.com/press-room/2023/brightline-130-mph-milestone 
• Popular Science on U.S. high speed rail: https://www.popsci.com/technology/high-speed-rail/ 
• Washington Post on high-speed rail plans: https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/08/30/us-high-speed-rail-projects/ 

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How much of an impact can you make on carbon emissions by choosing to ride your bicycle instead of driving? And is it always the best choice? Kat and Tiff put their bike helmets back on to discuss the pros and cons of being a bike commuter (or casual rider) in America. 

Sources

• UCLA Transportation - How Riding a Bike Benefits the Environment - https://transportation.ucla.edu/blog/how-bike-riding-benefits-environment
• Bicycling for Beginners - REI - https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/getting-into-biking.html
• Is cycling safe? - Harvard News - https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/01/is-cycling-safe-in-many-cases-the-answer-is-no
• How Much Does a Bike Cost? - BuyCycle.com - https://buycycle.com/blog/en/post/how-much-does-a-bike-cost/
• Car, bike or motorcycle? Depends on where you live - Pew Research Center - https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/04/16/car-bike-or-motorcycle-depends-on-where-you-live/

Secondary sources

• How being a cyclist is like being a woman - Kat Cox - https://medium.com/@pqhaattte/how-being-a-cyclist-is-like-being-a-woman-1abbeeeac118
• Cycling is bad for the environment - Velo by Outside Mag - https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/must-read-cycling-is-bad-for-the-environment/
• IRS Commuter Benefits - TRPC - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.trpc.org/DocumentCenter/View/4213/IRS-Commuter-Benefits?bidId=#:~:text=%E2%80%9CQualified%20bicycle%20commuting%20reimbursement%E2%80%9D%20means,employee's%20residence%20and%20place%20of
• National Bicycling and Walking Study - US Dept of Transportation Federal Highway Administration - https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/docs/case15.pdf (January 1993)

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In our 50th (!!!) episode, Tiffany teaches Kat about the idea of "clean diesel" and how the U.S. government has been pushing it. Does it exist? Is it something you can use to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? Or is it just a bunch of green hooey?
Sources 

• EPA on NOx: https://www.epa.gov/no2-pollution/basic-information-about-no2 
• US Department of Energy: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/di_diesels.shtml 
• Scientific American on “clean diesel”: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-diesel-finally-come-clean/ 
• International Council on Clean Transportation: https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/Gas%20_v%20_Diesel_%20CO2_emissions_%20EN_%20Fact%20_Sheet%202019_05_07_0.pdf 
• Performance results on ducted fuel injection: https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2021-01-0503/ 
• Impactful Ninja: Carbon footprint of biodiesel: https://impactful.ninja/the-carbon-footprint-of-biodiesel/ 
• Car Talk: https://www.cartalk.com/content/car-talks-guide-alternative-fuels-0 

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We're starting off season 5 with a controversial chat about electric vehicles and whether they're worth the switch.

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Sources: 

• NPR - EV Batteries Hurt the Environment, but Gas Cars are Still Worse - https://www.npr.org/2024/05/09/1250212212/ev-batteries-environmental-impact
• The Atlantic - The Best Hope for Electric Cars Could Be the GOP Districts Where They’re Made - https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/05/electric-cars-republicans-democrats-biden-infrastructure/678341/
• Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - The U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization - https://www.energy.gov/eere/us-national-blueprint-transportation-decarbonization-joint-strategy-transform-transportation
• USA Facts - What are the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions? - https://usafacts.org/articles/what-are-the-main-sources-of-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions/
• CarMax - Electric Cars vs Gas Cars: What’s the Difference? - https://www.carmax.com/articles/electric-cars-vs-gas-cars
• CNBC - Poor resale values of EVs threaten adoption, warn some experts - https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/05/poor-resale-values-of-evs-are-a-problem-for-the-industry-warn-experts.html

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